Professional and Linguistic Assessments Board (PLAB) Practice Exam

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At which level of the spine is the aorta typically located?

The correct answer is: T12

The aorta is typically located at the T12 level of the spine, which corresponds to the level of the diaphragm and marks the point where the aorta passes through the diaphragm to enter the abdomen from the thorax. This anatomical reference is crucial for various medical procedures and imaging interpretations, as any abnormalities in this area can indicate pathology. At T12, the descending thoracic aorta transitions to the abdominal aorta as it descends into the abdominal cavity. This transition point is important for clinicians to recognize, especially when considering vascular surgeries or assessing for conditions like aortic aneurysms. In contrast, while the aorta does continue to descend through the lumbar region, its typical anatomical landmark for identification is at T12. This distinction ensures clarity when discussing spinal levels in relation to vascular anatomy.